Fender | Standard & Specialist Fenders

A Fender is very useful and offers protection for your boat during everyday use, especially when moored or berthed alongside a pontoon or another boat. Fenders act as shock absorbers which prevents damage to the side of your boat.

The correct fender put in the right place will stop the relatively fragile surface of your boat becoming scuffed and damaged. Depending on how or where you use your boat, use normal a fender, bow fender, step fender, dock fender and other specialized fenders for complete protection.

Fenders & Buoys | Standard

A fender can come in all shapes and sizes and most types of fender are usually attached to your boat.

Sausage fenders - These fenders are elengated and can be tied with rode at either end. These fender can be used in either a vertical or horizontal position. They are easily stored in racks or lockers.

Round or spherical fenders - These fenders offer one of the largest degrees of protection. This is because of the distance they create between the yacht and the berth. They also provide excellent protection ship to ship, partically on larger vessels. The only downside of round fenders is that thier shape requires more space to store them.

Hybrid fenders - As the name suggests these fenders are a mixture of the round and sausage fenders. the diameter of these fenders provides excellent protection. Unlike the round fenders they can be easily stored.

Fender & Buoys | Specialist

Other varieties of fender are available, including <strong>dock fenders</strong> that are mounted on the pontoon and spherical fenders that offer additional protection and can be used at the bow and stern of the boat to spring off when leaving your mooring.

Other specialist fenders are available for use with particular types of boat such as RIBS and inflatable's, along with bow fenders and ladder fenders to effect protection to specific areas.

Most fenders are white in colour, though fenders in other colours are available (blue/black/orange/yellow etc).

Click Here to view our range of Dock Fenders and other specialist fenders.

Fender Equipment

A fender can be secured and mounted using a variety of options. Some fenders are secured with simple rope, whilst others are permanently attached with stainless screws and fixings. Other methods of fender attachment are available for convenience and security.

Fenders, as previously mentioned, can be fitted either vertically or horizontally depending on the type. If fitting fenders vertically always ensure that the

Some boat owners choose to cover their fenders with fender socks which can eliminate fender "squeak" and look smart on your boat whilst offering some additional protection to the fender itself from UV rays and further protection for the paint work on your boat.We have also recently begun to stock fenders made by a UK fender manufacturer called Hurricane Fenders. If you would like to know more about our new Hurricane Fenders, please view our blog.

Fender Advice and Information

The size of the fender you use will depend largely on the size of your boat, so if you are unsure as to the size you require ask us first and we will be happy to advise you. Do not be tempted to use too few fenders and risk damaging your far more expensive boat. Remember that when berthing alongside a pontoon, protect the side not in contact with the pontoon with fenders as well. This side is exposed to other vessels mooring adjacent to your boat, and you would not wish to collide with them.

Similarly, don't use fenders that are too large for your boat - this is not only an unnecessary expense but can offer problems with storage (see below) and when boarding your boat. Always check fenders whenever possible as they can roll up the pontoon and will deflate over a period of time. fluctuations in temperature can also cause your fenders to defalte. Several fenders spaced along the length of your boat will offer good protection under normal circumstances as long as they are inflated correctly, positioned at the correct height and secured fast.

Remember: Your boat is never stationary; the movement of the water will almost constantly cause a bobbing or rolling action and this kinetic energy when compounded with the significant weight of a boat and other objects can quickly and easily do untold damage both cosmetically and structurally if insufficient protection is not used.

Fenders are naturally bulky and not easy to store. Some boat-owners to use fender baskets to store them. Fender baskets are stainless wire cages that attach to pulpit rails and guardrails so that valuable space is not taken up for storage. Other disadvantages of fenders are that they need to be installed or removed frequently depending on whether under way or at rest. They may also need to be inflated before used if stored deflated. As mentioned above, some owners experience their fenders "squeaking" as their boat gently rocks alongside the pontoon, which can be annoying. this can be overcome with the use of fender socks, and is far better than having your boat knock against the pontoon. Fenders do not last forever but considering the environment in which they work, they are pretty durable. pressure, salt, uv rays and constant abrasion will take their toll on fenders over time so check them regularly and replace them before they fail.

Fender Fact

Over-inflated fenders are as dangerous as under-inflated fenders. Over-inflated fenders are more prone to leaking or bursting and can affect violent movements to boats in specific conditions due to their "bounciness". Always ensure the fender is correctly inflated to the stated pressure and that dust caps and valves are used properly. Most good chandlers will offer a service to inflate or check fenders for a small fee.